Mundelein, Ill. – Australian driver Lochie Hughes has signed with multi-race winning team Turn 3 Motorsport for his rookie debut in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Continental Tire. The talented young Aussie has composed an impressive résumé over the past two seasons. In 2022, Hughes was crowned the F4 US Champion with six wins, two pole positions and 10 podiums and in 2023, he finished third in the USF2000 Championship with four wins, two pole positions and four additional podiums.
In his USF2000 debut on the streets of St. Petersburg last year, the 21-year-old rookie claimed the first pole position and subsequent win of the season followed by another podium finish in Race 2, leaving the weekend with the championship lead in hand.
In preparation for the 2024 season, Hughes tested with Turn 3 Motorsport this month at YACademy’s Winter Test program at Sebring International Raceway - where he posted the fastest overall time - and at Carolina Motorsports Park for a private team test this week ahead of official Spring Training with the USF Pro Championships next week at NOLA Motorsports Park.
“I’m very excited to be joining Turn 3 Motorsport for the 2024 USF Pro 2000 season,” said Hughes. “We’ve been testing this month to prepare for the season which has gone really well so far. Turn 3 has a very strong program in place and has won a lot of races in the past, so I’m looking forward to getting the season underway in St. Petersburg soon.”
“Lochie is a driver we have really enjoyed watching over the past few seasons,” said Team Owner Peter Dempsey. “He has always had raw speed, and his results have proven that. To have this caliber of driver in our program for the 2024 season will only help drive the entire team forward. We have been enjoying our short time working together so far, but the serious stuff is about to start and we are all fully focused on maximizing the season. I can’t wait to get going for an exciting season with all of our drivers.”
Hughes will drive the #44 USF Pro 2000 car for Turn 3 Motorsport. With Hughes’ addition to the team, Turn 3 Motorsport will solidify a five car program in the 2024 USF Pro 2000 Championship with drivers Adam Fitzgerald (#2), Danny Dyszelski (#3), Tyke Durst (#33), Lochie Hughes (#44) and Ethan Ho (#68).
The championship will consist of eight events and 18 races across North America with the season opener kicking off in St. Petersburg, Florida from March 8-10.
To stay up to date on Turn 3 Motorsport, follow the team on social media using the handle @turn3motorsport.